Sole representative
The sole representative category is for non-EEA nationals wishing to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK which operates in the same type of business as your overseas business.
To apply, you must be a senior employee and your overseas business must be genuine and trading. The business must have no branch, subsidiary or any other representative in the UK. You also must intend for your business operations to continue overseas, as your overseas location will remain the main hub of your activities.
Other requirements include not holding more than 50% of the shares in the business, being recruited outside of the UK and not intending to take employment other than for your business.
The nature of a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa means that you should have the full authority to take decisions on behalf of the business.
As a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa holder you will be able to set up and run a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of your overseas employer.
How long you can stay
What you can and cannot do
You can:
The sole representative category is for non-EEA nationals wishing to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK which operates in the same type of business as your overseas business.
To apply, you must be a senior employee and your overseas business must be genuine and trading. The business must have no branch, subsidiary or any other representative in the UK. You also must intend for your business operations to continue overseas, as your overseas location will remain the main hub of your activities.
Other requirements include not holding more than 50% of the shares in the business, being recruited outside of the UK and not intending to take employment other than for your business.
The nature of a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa means that you should have the full authority to take decisions on behalf of the business.
As a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa holder you will be able to set up and run a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of your overseas employer.
How long you can stay
- You can come to the UK for an initial period of 3 years.
- You may be able to extend your visa for another 2 years.
- After you have been in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK.
What you can and cannot do
You can:
- work for your employer, full time
- bring your family (‘dependants’) with you to the UK
- extend your visa multiple times
- apply to settle in the UK after you’ve been here for 5 years
- work for yourself or any other business
- stay in the UK if the sole representative arrangement is ended by your employer
- switch to this visa from any other visa category
- get public funds
For further information on different aspects of business services we offer, please call us or complete the information request form
